Spirited scenes of turn-of-the-century Parisian life, the sweeping whirl of the Viennese waltz, and beautiful and lyrical melodies have made The Merry Widow one of the most popular and enduring operettas of the past century.

Perhaps the most celebrated and successful work of its kind ever written, The Merry Widow enjoyed a triumphant premiere in 1905 and rapidly became a favourite with audiences throughout the world. To this day, it is one of the most-performed operettas, with the continuing appeal of The Merry Widow lying in its music. Lehár's beautiful melodies have never become timeworn and seem fresh each time they are heard.

The story revolves around Hanna Glawari, a wealthy widow from Pontevedro who is visiting Paris in search of a husband. Her remarriage would take her late husband's wealth out of Pontevedro and bankrupt the country, and an embassy scheme is hatched to marry Anna to the suave and handsome Pontevedrian Count Danilo. Complications ensue over Danilo's eye for Parisian dancers and a flirtation between a French attaché and the wife of the Pontevedrian ambassador.

The show's passionate love duets and melodies and songs like “The Merry Widow Waltz” and “You'll Find Me at Maxim's” are beloved the world over. The plot line includes lovers' trysts, lavish parties, can-can dancers, and political intrigue, offering something to appeal to every member of the audience.